Why Food Retailers Are Insisting Producers Use X-Ray Inspection
By Melissa Lind, contributing writer
Large food retailers are demanding that food processors and packagers move away from simple means of product inspection and move into X-Ray inspection for food products. While this was previously considered a risk in terms of cost and ease-of-use, newer technology may make these barriers less important. Recent advancements in X-Ray detection, combined with retailer demands, have made the technology more attractive, and in many cases, is becoming a necessity.
As most food professionals know, X-Ray can detect what other systems can't, including:
- Bones
- Stone
- Glass
- High Density Plastics
- Food Conglomerations, such as starch lumps or pasta boiled together
In addition, X-Ray systems can identify a number of additional packaging issues, including:
- Improper Fill Levels
- Improper Product Placement
- Missing Packaging Components
- Inadequate Seals
Other advantages of X-Ray include flexibility in location of installation, ability to “see” through more packaging types, and the capability of running multiple processing lines at high speeds. Some manufacturers have been reluctant to adopt X-Ray inspection, but as retailers are demanding the switch, it may soon become unavoidable. With technological advancements, many of the objections to X-Ray systems have now become less important such as:
Cost
A higher capital investment requirement has long been considered a deterrent to adopting X-Ray inspection technology. This may no longer be the big issue it once was as the cost differential has narrowed considerably. In addition, the assurance that X-Ray offers, in terms of safety concerns, brand loyalty that will be preserved, and the capital cost spread over the lifetime of the equipment is easily overcome. With increasing demands from large retailers, those who ignore X-Ray technology may find themselves without those large customers.
Ease Of Use
The complexity of using X-Ray technology can seem a bit scary at first glance. Previously, manufacturers may have required specially-trained personnel to both service and operate the systems. With newer, modular systems based on easy-to-use computer interfaces, training has been significantly simplified and maintenance often requires only switching out a bad component with a new one.
With the increased flexibility of system placement, greater detection capability, ability to perform multiple operations with maximum efficiency, and the ease-of-use issues that have been addressed, in addition to the pressure being applied by large retailers, food manufacturers, processors, and packagers are being directed down the path of implementing X-Ray inspection.